Tummy twister

ABSTRACT

The Tummy Twister is essentially a long metal tube with a protracted “S” shape. Near the bottom is a small bend that curves away from the user; near the top is a larger longer bend that curves toward the user. At the top is a pair of handle grips that extend out perpendicularly from the tube. Tummy Twister comes with a plastic water weight container which will hold 7 lbs. of water. While the user stands erect, holding on to the hand grips and twists his upper torso, the weight provides resistance and the angle of the curves in the tube concentrates the effect, thereby strengthening abs and oblique-in other words the stomach and waistline.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Non-applicable, however, provisional patent No. 60/212,364 for Tummy Twister was filed on Jun. 19, 2000.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Non-applicable

REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX

[0003] Non-applicable

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0004] The inventors' intention was to develop a stomach exercise unit with which we could exercise the abdominal muscles, obliques, as well as firm hips, inner thighs and waist, while standing in an upright position. Other products in this area of exercise endeavor work the same muscles either sitting or lying down in various positions. It is our belief that our invention falls within the US Patent Office classification 482, i.e., exercise apparatus.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] The Tummy Twister is a remarkably simple yet effective device. Essentially, it is a long metal tube with a protracted “S” shape. Near the top is a large bend that curves toward the user and at the bottom a small bend that curves away from the user. At the base of the top bend is a pair of handgrips that extend out perpendicularly on each side of the tube. Tummy Twister comes with a plastic water weight container 2″ by 12″ in diameter that holds up to 7 lbs of water. The shape of the unit and the fact that it is used standing erect give it a performance advantage over other mid-section exercisers. Moreover, the small dimensions and shape of the unit enable it to be stored and shipped easily.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0006] Drawing depicts angles, lengths and design of Tummy Twister unit. See Page 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0007] Tummy Twister is made of ⅞ inch steel tubing, 4 feet 5 inches long with a 12 inch ⅞ inch tube handle with two soft rubber handlebar grips. The steel tubing has a protracted “S” shape. The top 18 inches of tube are bent in a smooth curve representing a 95 degree angle towards the user. The bottom 10 inches are bent in a 35 degree angle away from the user. The unit includes a ⅞ inch weight holder, 4 inches long welded to the main steel tube 24 inches from the top that will accommodate a plastic water weight container (supplied) or metal weights (user supplied), either secured by the weight collar. The plastic water weight container is constructed of molded plastic with a plastic filler cap. It is 2 inches thick by 12 inches across and indented on one side to fit firmly on the steel tube,. It holds up to 7 lbs. of water. The base of the unit has a cone-shape, plastic bearing holder that is pressed on the main unit tube and contains a 1 inch circular bearing ring with a half-inch center hole in which the plastic shaft of a rubber anti-skid hemispherical pad is inserted. This apparatus allows the Tummy Twister to swivel smoothly on a stationary base.

[0008] The handlebar is crimped and slips into the main tube and is attached with two screws. The main unit is crimped in the middle and attached with two screws. This enables Tummy Twister to be totally dismantled and packed in a carry bag.

[0009] The fact that you can work the stomach muscles while standing erect is a significant improvement over other types of stomach exercisers. Not only is it more convenient to use but it is effective.

[0010] Directions for use: Spread feet slightly wider than shoulder width, with an ever so slight bend in the knees. Place the base of the Tummy Twister between and inch or two in front of the big toes. (A wider stance will allow more torque.) Hold upper body erect, arms straight but not rigid. Grip handles and twist shoulders and chest from side to side, keeping arms and shoulders aligned, in other words twist from the waist, do not just move the arms. You will feel movement in waist and abdomen. 

1. We the inventors claim our invention is made of ⅞ steel tubing.
 2. We the inventors claim our invention has a molded plastic water weight container sized 2 inches by 12 inches with a ⅞ inch center hole and indented on one side to fit the center shaft.
 3. We the inventors claim our invention has a cone shaped plastic bearing holder at its base.
 4. We the inventors claim that in reference to claim #3, the base contains circular metal bearings. The assembly is completed with a non-skid rubber semi-circular pad.
 5. We the inventors claim our invention has easy grip rubber handlebar grips.
 6. We the inventors claim our invention has a plastic weight holder collar.
 7. We the inventors claim our invention can be disassembled by removing two screws that secure the handlebar and two screws that fasten the two sections of the shaft together.
 8. We the inventors claim our invention can be used standing erect.
 9. We the inventors claim our invention allows the user to simultaneously exercise abdominal muscles and obliques employing an easy side to side twisting motion while standing erect.
 10. We the inventors claim these movements uniquely facilitated by our invention will slim and firm the midsection.
 11. We claim our invention is the only one to use a molded, water weight container.
 12. We claim our invention dismantles quickly and effectively and can be stored in most carry bags.
 13. We the inventors claim our invention is ⅞ steel tube with a protracted “S” shape, near the base a small bend that curves away from the user, near the top a larger deeper bend that curves toward the user.
 14. We the inventors claim our invention, in reference to claim #13, at the top end of the larger, deeper bend is a ⅞ steel, 12 inch long cross piece with handlebar grips.
 15. We the inventors claim our invention provides significant physical resistance with its water weight container and the angle created by the curves in the steel tube concentrates this effect.
 16. We the inventors claim that the protracted “S” shape of our invention has a 95 degree angle towards the user on the top and a 35 degree angle away from the user on the bottom. 